Bigben Interactive has acquired French developer Eko Software, known for How to Survie, Rugby 18, and the upcoming Warhammer: Chaosbane.

After collaborating on titles like Rugby 18 and the upcoming Warhammer: Chaosbane, British publisher Bigben Interactive announced today that it has acquired French developer Eko Software.

Outside of the two aforementioned titles, Eko Software is also known for the successful How to Survive series, which in Bigben’s eyes helped to make them a “multi-million seller.” The studio consists of 40 developers, and made a profit in the last fiscal year, making them an enticing purchase for Bigben Interactive, who wants to fully integrate development in order to become dominant in the AA game development scene.

Eko Software was purchased for €8.5 million, with the deal to acquire the studio closing next month. Jules-Benjamin Lalisse, CEO of Eko Software, will still stay on board to manage the development team, who Bigben Interactive promises will have creative autonomy. He also had the following to say about the studio he started finally being acquired:

“We are pleased to join the Bigben Group, a leading international player in video game industry, whose vision, ambition and corporate values we fully share. Joining the Bigben Group gives us a unique opportunity to accelerate our development while integrating an environment favorable to the creation of ever more qualitative games.”

Bigben’s Chairman and CEO Alain Falc also commented on the acquisition:

“This acquisition is another milestone in Bigben’s strategy as it strengthens our know-how in the development of new games in the strategic AA segment. Bigben is also proud to welcome to its Group the talents of Eko Software which we have already fully appreciated during our many years of partnership. We will be supporting their upswing towards new, even more ambitious projects, with the goal of reiterating the experience of the million copies sold of How to Survive.”

Right now, Eko Software is working on three titles. One is the aforementioned Warhammer: Chaosbane, while the other two are an unannounced hack ‘n slash title and a sports game. DualShockers will be sure to let you know about any interesting titles that come out of this new partnership.